A partnership of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Mattel and Parkes+MacDonald/Image Nation announced today there will be a live-action comedy featuring the beloved and dynamic icon Barbie (she’ll get top billing of course!).

Franchise Plans

The studio sees this as its next big, global franchise and plans to go into production by the end of the year.

“We’ve always thought that the Barbie story had great potential, but a universe of possibilities opened up in this unexpected, clever and truly funny concept written by Jenny Bicks and produced by Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald,” said Hannah Minghella, president of production at Columbia Pictures. “It captures everything that has made Barbie a classic for generation after generation while also standing on its own, establishing Barbie as a truly original screen character. We’re confident that Barbie will delight audiences, no matter where her adventures take her.”

While no plot details were forthcoming Barbie, who had had more than 150 careers, will show her fans that anything is possible for the modern woman.

In her live-action big screen debut, Barbie will inhabit many of these roles, utilizing her personal and professional skills to inspire change in the lives of everyone around her, producers said. This comedic and contemporary film marks the second collaboration between Sony Pictures and Mattel, which are currently developing a film adaptation of Masters of the Universe, based on Mattel’s popular action figures.

Another big question, who will be costume designer/stylist for Barbie? Not an easy job considering La B has had outfits created by Diane von Furtsenberg, Vera Wang, Calvin Klein, Bob Mackie and Christian Louboutin. Not to mention the accessories—some 10 million shoes by one count!

No word yet on whether BFF Midget, Christie or even ex-boyfriend Ken will appear in the flick…